Air Fryer Pizza Bagels: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Pizza bagels are a quick and easy meal or snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. The air fryer's compact size means that, unlike a conventional oven, it won't heat up your entire kitchen. It's also faster than an oven, as the smaller area allows the circulating hot air to melt cheese in just 4 minutes.

To make pizza bagels, simply split a bagel in two and add your favourite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. You can use fresh bagels or frozen ones. If you want a crispier crust, it's recommended to toast the bagels before adding the toppings. When you're ready, place the bagels into the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 355-375°F for 3-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 white or wheat bagels
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Other pizza toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, etc.)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Pizza seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, heat it to this temperature for about 4 minutes.
• Split the bagels in half and spread pizza sauce on each half.
• Add shredded cheese on top of each half, ensuring it doesn't hang over the edges to prevent it from melting and dripping.
• Add your desired toppings.
• Place the bagels into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Enjoy your delicious, crispy pizza bagels!

Tips:

• For a crispier crust, toast the bagels before adding the sauce and toppings. You can do this in a toaster or directly in the air fryer at 370°F for about 3 minutes.
• Use fresh shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for the best melting and browning.
• If you want appetizer-sized portions, use mini bagels instead of full-sized ones.
• You can also use gluten-free bagels as a base for your pizza bagels.

Air Fryer Temperature Settings

The optimal temperature for cooking pizza bagels in an air fryer is between 355°F and 375°F. The exact temperature setting will depend on the specific model of your air fryer, so it is recommended to consult your manual for the suggested temperature settings.

For example, some recipes suggest setting the air fryer to 360°F and cooking the pizza bagels for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and any meat toppings are crisp.

Another recipe recommends cooking the bagels in two stages. First, air fry the bagels without toppings at 375°F for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Then, after adding your sauce and toppings, air fry for a further 3 minutes at the same temperature, or until the cheese is melted.

If you are looking for a crispier crust, you can toast the bagels before adding the toppings. This can be done in a toaster or in the air fryer itself at 370°F for around 3 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of their temperature settings and cooking times, so it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your pizza bagels while they are cooking to ensure they don't burn.

Advantages of Air Fryer Pizza Bagels

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are a quick and easy meal or snack that can be made in under 10 minutes. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table without heating up the entire kitchen. Here are some advantages of making pizza bagels in an air fryer:

Speed and Convenience

Air fryers are smaller and more compact than traditional ovens, so they heat up faster. By the time you prepare the bagels with your desired toppings, the air fryer will be preheated and ready to go. Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are a convenient option when you're short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal.

Customization

Pizza bagels made in an air fryer offer a wide range of customization options. You can choose from various bagel types, including full-size, mini, or gluten-free bagels, and top them with your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Whether you prefer pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, or a combination of ingredients, you can easily tailor each pizza bagel to your taste preferences.

Crispiness

Air frying pizza bagels results in a crispy texture that is highly desirable. To ensure crispiness, it is recommended to brush the bagel halves with olive oil and season them before adding the toppings. This creates a barrier that prevents sogginess from the sauce and adds extra flavor to your creation.

Easy Cleanup

Using an air fryer for pizza bagels can also simplify the cleanup process. By placing parchment paper at the bottom of your air fryer, you can catch any melted cheese or toppings that might drip during cooking, making cleanup a breeze. No more scrubbing baked-on cheese from your baking sheets!

Freezer-Friendly

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels are excellent for meal prep and can be frozen before or after cooking. You can assemble and freeze them ahead of time, then air fry them straight from frozen whenever you're craving pizza. This convenience factor makes them an excellent option for busy individuals and families.

Tips and Tricks for Air Frying Pizza Bagels

Air fryer pizza bagels are a quick and easy meal or snack. They are also a great way to get a meal on the table without heating up the entire kitchen. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect air fryer pizza bagels.

Temperature and Timing

Air fryer temperatures and timings can vary depending on the brand and model. It is recommended to consult your air fryer's manual for suggested temperature settings. However, a general rule of thumb is to reduce the oven temperature by 25°F when using an air fryer. For example, if the oven temperature is 425°F, you can set your air fryer to 400°F.

The cooking time for pizza bagels in an air fryer can range from 3 to 10 minutes. It is important to keep a close eye on your pizza bagels during the cooking process to ensure they do not burn. Check them after about 3 minutes, and adjust the timing as needed.

Pre-Air Frying

Pre-air frying your bagels is an important step to ensure they don't become soggy from the sauce. Brush the bagel halves with olive oil and, if desired, sprinkle with pizza seasoning or fresh chopped rosemary. Then, air fry the bagels without the toppings until they are golden brown and crisp, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

Toppings

The beauty of pizza bagels is that you can get creative with your toppings. Start by spreading pizza sauce on the bagels, leaving a small gap around the edges to prevent the sauce from dripping into the air fryer. Next, add your cheese. It is recommended to use freshly shredded cheese, as it melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese. Pile the cheese towards the center, again leaving a gap around the edges to prevent dripping. Finally, add your desired toppings. Popular choices include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers.

Freezing

Pizza bagels can be frozen before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked pizza bagels, assemble the bagels with sauce and toppings, place them on a sheet pan in a single layer, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. Cooked pizza bagels can also be frozen, but be sure to let them cool to room temperature first. Frozen pizza bagels can be reheated in the air fryer directly from the freezer, with no need to thaw beforehand. Simply air fry at 375°F for 4-5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

Customising Pizza Bagel Toppings

Pizza bagels are a versatile dish that can be customised with a variety of toppings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for customising your pizza bagel toppings:

Meat Toppings:

• Pepperoni: The classic pizza topping, pepperoni adds a spicy kick to your pizza bagels.
• Sausage: Crumbed Italian sausage or cooked sausage adds a savoury, meaty element.
• Meatballs: Meatball slices make for a hearty and satisfying option.
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon offers a smoky flavour.
• Ham: For a classic pizza combination, add some diced or sliced ham.

Vegetable Toppings:

• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms provide a earthy, umami flavour.
• Onions: Diced red or white onions can add a sharp, pungent kick.
• Green Peppers: For a crunchy, fresh texture and a mild, sweet flavour.
• Other Veggies: Load up your pizza bagels with your favourite vegetables, such as bell peppers, olives, or artichokes.

Cheese Variations:

• Mozzarella: The classic stretchy, melty cheese for pizza.
• Cheddar: For a sharper, more intense flavour.
• Marble Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a mix of flavours.
• Pizza Blend: A pre-shredded blend of cheeses specifically designed for pizzas.
• Freshly Shredded vs Pre-Shredded: Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly, but pre-shredded is a timesaver.

Sauce Options:

• Pizza Sauce: The traditional choice, use store-bought or make your own.
• Barbecue Sauce: For a tangy, smoky twist, spread on some barbecue sauce.
• Pesto: Try pesto for a unique, herby flavour.
• Marinara Sauce: A tomato-based sauce that is perfect if you like your sauce extra saucy.

Other Customisations:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bagels as the base for a gluten-free option.
• Dairy-Free: Choose dairy-free cheese alternatives to suit dietary restrictions.
• Mini Bagels: For bite-sized treats, use mini bagels for pizza bagel bites.
• Crispier Crust: Toast your bagels before adding toppings for an extra crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions